How To Care For A Newborn’s Belly

Blood and necessary nutrients were transported to your baby during pregnancy by the umbilical cord.

Now, after the birth of the baby, the umbilical stump is about 3cm long. It will still take some time for the stump to dry and fall off (about 1-2 weeks), leaving it with a beautiful “buck”.

It is important that you take good care of the umbilical stump and then the navel of your baby to prevent infection and heal beautifully.

HYGIENE IN THE FIRST PLACE
It is generally recommended to treat 60% alcohol – wipe the umbilical stump daily and clean the baby’s navel afterwards with a cotton swab or alcohol swab (cotton wool is not recommended, small particles may remain in the navel and cause infection). In any case, daily alcohol cleaning is not necessary – healing of the umbilical scar does not accelerate and alcohol can cause skin irritation. The only really important thing is to keep the scar dry and clean.

In some maternity hospitals, the practice is to cut off the umbilical stump before it is released (so-called “bears”), not waiting for it to fall off naturally.

The procedure is done with a scalpel or scissors and is completely painless for the baby because there are no nerve endings in the umbilical stump.

Cutting the umbilical stump should never be done routinely, but only with the informed consent of the mother.

If the umbilical stump is left, expose it to the air as often as possible. Access of air allows the lower part of the stump to dry out and the stump to fall off. The baby should not be soaked in water for too long – the umbilical stump and after it has fallen, the fresh baby must be as dry as possible so that they do not water and soon healed.

A long stay in the water will slow the healing process and there is a risk of infection. It is advisable to just paint the baby with a sponge. Be careful when wiping, do not wipe the navel to avoid irritation and bleeding.

Avoid contact with urine and faeces, whether with a wet diaper or directly (be careful not to get the navel out of the boys). When stools, urine or bathing water enter the scar, disinfection (alcohol) treatment is definitely appropriate. However, do not put powder, ointment or stick on the navel.

DO NOT IRRITATE NAVEL WITH DIAPER AND CLOTHING
Use newborn diapers that have a special cut-out or fold the diaper so that it does not cover the navel. Suitable is loose clothing, one that will not push and irritate the umbilical stump of the baby. The body is practical and good looking, but a separate shirt or shirt is much more comfortable and airy for the baby.

SYMPTOMS OF INFECTION

As soon as any of the following symptoms occur, see your doctor

It may be an inflammatory disease of the umbilical stump where there is a risk of developing bacterial sepsis (omphalitis):

* the stump is red and swollen at the root

* Actively bleeds

* A yellowish or white pus appears

* A stinking discharge appears
this baby seems to be painful (crying when you touch the umbilical stump)

However, these are usually advanced symptoms (especially pus and stinking discharge) when there is a real risk of inflammation throughout the body.

* sepsis:- Do not underestimate any major redness (about 2-3 cm in diameter) and show it to your doctor. On the other hand, a slight bleeding in the pool (which causes the impression of the diaper) is common and when spontaneously ceases, it is not dangerous.

ALLOW THE UMBILICAL STUMP TO FALL OFF NATURALLY

Even if you feel that the umbilical stump is already “hanging in the hair” and it will entice you to break away, do not do it. You may cause bleeding. Mild bleeding may also occur after the umbilical stump itself naturally falls off, but this is normal. Look for a doctor in case of active bleeding (when you wipe away a drop of blood, more and more will appear).

It will take approximately 2 weeks for the scar to heal before the umbilical stump falls off . However, it is individual, some babies have a stronger stump, so the whole process of drying and healing scars can take longer.

WHAT WILL THE BABY’S NAVEL LOOK LIKE?

There is no way to predict whether your baby’s navel will be internal or external. Its shape will not affect either the cutting of the umbilical cord after delivery or subsequent care.

However, your baby will have the most beautiful navel in the world. Check with your pediatrician if you are unsure about your baby’s navel. Go to the doctor even if the umbilical stump does not fall off within 4 weeks after birth.